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Optimism surrounds Comcast, as it gets ready to report its first quarter results on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Analysts are expecting the company to book a profit of 64 cents a share, up from 51 cents a year ago.

The consensus estimate has dipped over the past month, from 65 cents, but it's still up from the consensus estimate of 63 cents three months ago. Analysts are expecting earnings of $2.85 per share for the fiscal year. Revenue is projected to be $17.04 billion for the quarter, 11% above the year-earlier total of $15.31 billion. For the year, revenue is projected to roll in at $68.83 billion.

The increase in profit in the fourth quarter came after net income fell in the previous quarter. The 33% profit increase in the most recent quarter brought the figure to $1.91 billion. One quarter prior, net income was down 18% year-over-year.

Revenue was up in the fourth quarter after dipping in the previous quarter. The 11% revenue growth in the fourth quarter brought the figure up to $16.93 billion. This compares with the 2% year-over-year revenue drop in the previous quarter.

The majority of analysts (88%) rate Comcast as a buy. This compares favorably to the analyst ratings of nine similar companies, which average 55% buys.

Comcast provides cable and communications services to residential and commercial customers. Time Warner Cable, also in the broadcasting and cable tv industry, will report earnings on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Analysts are expecting earnings of $1.67 per share for Time Warner Cable, up 18% from last year's earnings of $1.41 per share. Other companies in the broadcasting and cable tv industry with upcoming earnings release dates include: Charter Communications, Time Warner and Entravision.